Themyscira may be shrouded in myth, but its arrival in the new DC Universe is very real—just taking the scenic route.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn offered a rare update on Paradise Lost, the highly-anticipated Max original series that will explore the origins of Wonder Woman’s homeland long before Diana ever wielded a lasso. While some fans feared the silence meant the project had been shelved, Gunn was quick to shut down the speculation.
“Paradise Lost is moving along… It’s slow-moving, but it’s moving. And, yeah, I really love that project a lot” Gunn confirmed.
That simple affirmation speaks volumes for a show that’s been adrift in development since its announcement in January 2023. First pitched as a mythological political thriller in the vein of Game of Thrones, Paradise Lost promises to peel back the lush, legendary curtain of Themyscira and show us how its all-female society came to be—before Wonder Woman, before the outside world, and before peace ever settled on the island.
Connected But Not Dependent
Naturally, questions remain about how this series ties into the broader DCU reboot, especially with Gunn now confirming that a new Wonder Woman feature film is also quietly in the works. His response? It’s connected, sort of.
“Yes. Well, yes and no. Wonder Woman’s a separate thing… She’s from f—ing Themyscira, so…” Gunn said, when asked about how Paradise Lost links to the upcoming Wonder Woman movie.
Classic Gunn: candid, unfiltered, but undeniably committed. What we do know is this: while Paradise Lost will not feature Diana Prince herself, it will lay the mythological and ideological groundwork for her eventual origin. If done right, it could be the House of the Dragon of the DCU—an epic, politically charged drama that enhances the mythology of a marquee character without being shackled by it.
A Pillar In The Making
When Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav recently referred to Wonder Woman as one of the four “pillars” of the new DCU (alongside Superman, Batman, and Supergirl), fans raised eyebrows—especially given the lack of on-screen movement surrounding her. Gunn clarified:
“I think that he got that from me. I wouldn’t say only those four characters, but I would say that those four characters are incredibly important to us.”
It’s a promising sign that Paradise Lost isn’t just a side project. It’s foundational. Even without casting news, a showrunner, or a release window, the creative intent behind Paradise Lost positions it as a critical piece of DC’s long-term storytelling strategy. If Superman launches the cinematic side of the DCU on July 11th, 2025, then Paradise Lost may well be its most ambitious foray into prestige television—infusing genre mythology with modern political intrigue.
Why Paradise Lost Still Matters
While some projects fizzle out in development purgatory, Paradise Lost remains quietly persistent. That patience could pay off in a big way. Not every origin story needs capes and climactic battles—sometimes the world needs to know what came before the hero to truly understand her impact.
With its mix of ancient rivalries, divine politics, and uncharted lore, Paradise Lost may do for Themyscira what Andor did for the Rebellion: transform a familiar backdrop into a stage for character-driven, high-stakes drama.
In a universe where gods walk among mortals, the most powerful battles might still be the ones fought in shadows, alliances, and royal halls. And if James Gunn has his way, we’ll get to watch it all unfold.
